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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in operational services for a greener North West.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a thriving FTSE 100 company committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Degree or significant experience in utilities; strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us
United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long‑term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.
We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.
Salary Competitive Salary
Work Type Hybrid
Job Location Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type Permanent
Employment Type Full Time
Working Hours 37.0 Hours per Week
Benefits
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Competitive performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- ÂŁ7500 Annual Car Allowance
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
Job Purpose
This is a key operational leadership role accountable for the Integrated Operational Services teams. This role will drive the strategy and operational delivery of regionally centralised and specialist operational services, including Trade Effluent, Waste Services, Grounds Maintenance and Street Works. In addition, lead significant revenue generation (c ÂŁ40m) and manage complex regulatory environments and external authority relationships.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- To lead the Integrated Operational Services team and drive the strategy and operational delivery across the North West for Trade Effluent, Waste Services, Grounds Maintenance and Street Works.
- To ensure that all centralised operational services are delivered in accordance with relevant company and legislative health and safety requirements and agreed quality standards.
- Lead and develop first‑class internal and external relationships based on a detailed understanding of customer needs and operational constraints.
- Drive continuous improvement across all lines of business to maximise health and safety compliance, team productivity and operational delivery.
- Identify and exploit innovation and efficiency opportunities, including through our supply chain.
Technical Skills & Experience
- Educated to degree level or with significant relevant experience.
- Experience of operating in the water or broader utilities sector (preferable) and/or in a closely regulated industry.
- Operational experience of leading multiple and large geographically dispersed teams across varying disciplines.
- Customer experience, particularly in delivering an internal service to field‑based teams.
- Able to demonstrate a high level of innovative thinking to produce alternative operational solutions and strategies.
- Commercial and supply‑chain management experience.
- Excellent communication and influencing ability across diverse stakeholder groups.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications: Educated to degree level or with significant relevant experience.
About The Team
Trade Effluent
- Setting, implementation and monitoring of company policy in trade effluent services, including the enforcement of discharge consent limits across all traders within our region.
- Accountable for the endorsement of legal proceedings against non‑compliant traders to drive overall compliance and trade effluent income.
- Leads in the longer‑term strategic planning of trader activity in the North West, and root‑cause failure/trend analysis of trader compliance failure.
Waste Services
- Coordinate waste management activities on behalf of the operational business.
- Lead the effective and efficient use of specialist cleaning services to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Direct and lead the provision of liquid waste management services to a portfolio of industrial and commercial customers.
- Lead the identification and implementation of opportunities to maximise revenue in the liquid waste management sector.
Grounds Maintenance
- Lead the development of the long‑term strategy for the provision of grounds maintenance services to drive efficiency, support the optimisation of site performance and maintain compliance with all health and safety standards.
- Jointly deliver site standards on our operational sites and assets.
- Lead the appropriate use of third‑party contractors to effectively meet grounds maintenance requirements.
- Account for audit feedback and regulatory/risk‑management policy changes.
Street Works
- Lead the Street Works team to ensure all Street Works activities are fully compliant with legislative requirements, while safeguarding United Utilities’ reputation against current and emerging challenges.
- Ensure that all centralised operational services are delivered in accordance with relevant company and legislative health and safety requirements and agreed quality standards.
- Hold our operational partners to account for Street Works compliance and standards.
- Establish and maintain best‑in‑class external relationships with our local and highway authority partners.
We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick‑start a thriving career here at UU.
Locations
Head of Integrated Operational Services in Cheshire, Warrington employer: United Utilities
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Integrated Operational Services in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience makes you the perfect fit for the Head of Integrated Operational Services role. Keep it concise and focus on your achievements that relate to the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Integrated Operational Services in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Integrated Operational Services. We want to see how you can drive strategy and operational delivery in a way that resonates with our mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading teams and driving performance. Use your application to demonstrate your past leadership experiences, especially in managing large, geographically dispersed teams. We love to see examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you've got experience in the water or utilities sector, make it shine! We’re looking for candidates who understand the complexities of regulatory environments and can navigate them effectively. Share specific examples that showcase your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into United Utilities’ mission and values. Understand their commitment to sustainability and how they operate within the water sector. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Integrated Operational Services, you'll need to lead diverse teams. Prepare specific examples from your past where you've successfully managed large teams or projects, particularly in regulated environments. Highlight your ability to drive strategy and operational delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to overcome challenges in operational services or improve compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role requires excellent communication and influencing skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve navigated complex regulatory environments and maintained compliance while driving operational success.